Juche

Juche is the official state ideology of North Korea. It is used by the ruling Workers Party of Korea to guide the nation. This ideology is also known as Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism. It serves as the philosophical foundation for the country's political and social systems. At its core, Juche teaches that the masses of the people are the masters of revolution and construction. It suggests that people are the primary motive force behind all progress. This idea emphasizes human agency and the power of consciousness. It also places a high priority on ideology and propaganda to guide the public.

To achieve its goals, Juche relies on three specific pillars of independence. The first is political independence, or sovereignty. This principle argues that every nation has the right to self-determination. A country must not yield to foreign pressure or outside intervention. The second pillar is economic self-sufficiency. Adherents believe a state must build an independent national economy. This often involves focusing on heavy industry to drive growth. The third pillar is military self-reliance. This requires developing a domestic defense industry. By doing so, a nation avoids depending on foreign arms suppliers for protection.

The term Juche has a long history. It comes from a Sino-Japanese word meaning "subject." This word was originally used in German philosophy to describe a subject. It entered the Korean language around the turn of the 20th century. In North Korea, the term has taken on specific meanings of independence and self-reliance. It is often used to contrast with the concept of sadaejuui. Sadaejuui refers to a reliance on great powers. By following Juche, North Korea seeks to avoid this type of dependence.

History shows how Juche became the center of North Korean life. Official government statements say Kim Il Sung created the idea. He was the founder and first leader of North Korea. The first documented reference to Juche as an ideology was in a 1955 speech. This speech was titled "On Eliminating Dogmatism and Formalism and Establishing Juche in Ideological Work." However, some Western scholars suggest different origins. They believe Hwang Jang-yop, a top adviser, helped develop the concept. Another scholar, Andrei Lankov, suggests the ideology became a basic principle after a 1965 speech.

As Kim Il Sung's son, Kim Jong Il, rose to power, he expanded the ideology. He published a major work called "On the Juche Idea" in 1982. This book provides a comprehensive explanation of the theory. Kim Jong Il used Juche to make ideological breaks from Marxism–Leninism. He also increased the importance of his father's specific ideas. This helped solidify the leadership of the Kim family. Loyalty to the leader became an essential part of the system. This was expressed through the Ten Principles for the Establishment of a Monolithic Ideological System.

Juche affects many practical parts of North Korean life. One major example is the use of the Juche calendar. This was declared by a government decree on July 8, 1997. The calendar counts years starting from 1912, the birth year of Kim Il Sung. For example, the year 2024 is known as Juche 113. The country also uses Juche to drive technological goals. In the textile industry, they use a fiber called vinylon. This is known as "Juche fiber" because it is made from local coal and limestone. The nation also works to increase its use of CNC machines. These computer-controlled machines help in manufacturing. In 2017, the country had approximately 15,000 of these machines.

Juche also shapes how North Korea interacts with the world. During the Cold War, the country maintained ties with the Soviet Union and China. However, it often opposed their interference in its internal affairs. North Korea joined the Non-Aligned Movement in 1975. It has presented itself as a leader for the Third World. The ideology is used to promote an anti-imperialist message. It is often used as a way to oppose U.S. influence. While critics call it many things, including a quasi-religion, it remains the guiding force for the North Korean state.